Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Guide

If your Partisan Trigger does not function in your AR-15, follow these steps:

Buffer and Bolt Carrier Checks

Use an H2 or heavier buffer in carbine extensions. Rifle buffers in rifle extensions and A5 buffers in A5 extensions also work well. H1 buffers may work, but H2 or heavier is recommended for reliable operation.
Most AR-15s are shipped with a carbine buffer, which is usually insufficient for the Partisan Trigger.
Check your buffer’s weight. H and heavier buffers are usually stamped (e.g., H, H1/H2/H3). Alternatively, remove the buffer’s roll pin, rubber bumper, and count the tungsten weights: 1 weight = H1, 2 = H2, 3 = H3.
Make sure your buffer isn’t solid. Shake it—if you don’t hear/feel weights inside, it won’t prevent bolt bounce and can cause malfunctions.
Ensure your Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) is M16/full-auto style (not AR-15 style). Only M16 BCGs allow proper trigger function due to the out-of-battery safety sear.

General Firearms Checks

Clean and lubricate your firearm, including all moving trigger parts.
Use quality magazines with strong springs (PMag, Lancer, or newer USGI equivalents).
Inspect buffer springs for length, installation, and wear.
Use reliable, quality ammunition.
Look for gas leakage at the block or carrier key. Tighten and stake gas key screws; inspect and replace worn gas rings as needed.
Verify anti-rotation pin installation and tightness.

Note: Partisan Triggers have been tested extensively; quality BCGs and rifles are recommended. Use thread locker on anti-rotation pins and properly torque/stake the buffer tube castle nut.

Function Check

After installing the trigger, test as follows:

Confirm the firearm is unloaded and no magazine is inserted.
Selector on SAFE: Pull the trigger (hammer should NOT fall).
Selector on SEMI: Pull and hold the trigger (hammer should fall). Keep holding, cycle the charging handle, then release the trigger (trigger should reset).
Selector on THIRD POSITION: Pull and hold the trigger. Cycle the charging handle several times. There should be some trigger movement, and upon releasing the trigger, the hammer should stay forward. Cycle again for trigger reset.

Installation Steps

Follow these steps for proper installation:

1. Remove any magazine and ensure the rifle and workspace are clear of ammunition.
2. Press pivot and takedown pins; separate upper and lower receivers.
3. Loosen the pistol grip screw. In most cases, it is not necessary to completely remove the pistol grip.
4. Remove the installed safety.
5. Remove hammer pin. Remove the hammer and hammer spring assembly.
6. Remove the trigger pin. Remove the trigger, sear and trigger spring assembly.
7. Insert the Partisan Trigger cartridge assembly.
8. Install your Partisan Trigger 3-position safety. Partisan Trigger safeties must be used in conjunction with the trigger. It may be necessary to use a small tool to depress the safety detent to get the safety installed fully.
9. Tighten pistol grip screw.
10. Install anti-rotation pins and apply thread locker.
11. Place the rear lug of the upper receiver into the lower, and slightly pull back on the charging
  handle to enable the rear of the bolt carrier group to clear the out of battery safety sear.
12. Reinsert pivot and takedown pins.
13. Installation complete.

Problem	Solution
Trigger cannot be pulled in SEMI or ENHANCED	Ensure an M16-cut bolt carrier is installed and that the Partisan Trigger safety is correctly used and properly installed. Confirm selector positions are functioning as intended.
Hammer falls on empty chamber or bolt is not fully in battery	Ensure H2 or heavier buffer is installed (not a solid buffer). Ensure the use of quality magazines capable of keeping up with the rate of fire. Clean and lubricate the firearm thoroughly.
Failure to fire (“dead trigger”)	Inspect trigger installation and function, confirm correct selector operation, verify quality ammunition is used, and check for worn or misaligned fire control group parts.
Bolt fails to feed or pick up the next round	Clean and lubricate the firearm. Check magazine for defects or wear. Ensure gas rings, gas key, buffer, and springs are in good condition and properly installed.
Trigger is not resetting after firing	Inspect for dirt, fouling, or improper installation. Ensure correct buffer and spring combination are in use. Perform function checks to ensure proper trigger operation.
Failure to eject (“stovepipe” or spent casing trapped)	Clean chamber and bolt. Check extractor and ejector for wear. Inspect gas system for leaks, loose keys, or undergassed operation. Replace worn springs if needed.
Selector not snapping properly into each position, or safety only moves with difficulty	Remove selector. Unscrew selector screw. Make sure selector lever is fully seated and will click into place. Replace screw and reinstall selector.

Partisan Triggers